Influence of a Probiotic Milk Drink, Containing Lactobacillus Paracasei Lpc-37, on Immune Function and Gut Microbiota in Elderly Subjects
Published: 2011-12-29
Page: 159-172
Issue: 2011 - Volume 1 [Issue 3]
Sofia D. Forssten *
Danisco, Health & Nutrition, Sokeritehtaantie 20, 02460 Kantvik, Finland.
Nuria Salazar
Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
Patricia López
Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
Janne Nikkilä
Pharmatest Services Ltd Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, FI-20520 Turku, Finland, Currently with Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Kivihaantie 7, FI-00310 Helsinki, Finland.
Arthur C. Ouwehand
Danisco, Health & Nutrition, Sokeritehtaantie 20, 02460 Kantvik, Finland.
Ángeles Patterson
Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Patricia Ruas-Madiedo
Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
Ana Suarez
Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Sonia Gonzalez
Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Miguel Gueimonde
Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Immunosenescence and alterations in the intestinal microbiota are associated with aging. Immune functions, as well as the intestinal microbiota, can potentially be modified and improved by probiotics, thus being particularly beneficial to elderly consumers. The ability of Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 to modulate immune markers including phagocytic activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytokine profiles, as well as composition and activity of the intestinal microbiota, in healthy elderly subjects was investigated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Only very limited effects in the measured blood or faecal immune markers or intestinal microbiota could be detected between the fermented milk drinks with or without probiotics. Thus, no significant immunological or microbial effects of the probiotic fermented milk could be detected in this study population.
Keywords: Elderly, probiotic, L. paracasei, immune functions, C. difficile